Community Celebration of Excellence Breakfast

(MODERATOR BOB SCHULTZ WITH PANELISTS ZACH METTE, DR. ERIC BLOEMER AND DICK WENTE)

Three graduates of specialized programs offered in Effingham County were the program guests at Wednesday's Vision 2020 Community Celebration of Excellence Breakfast.

The event featured Zach Mette of Mette's Distinctive Lighting, Dr. Eric Bloemer of Runde Clinic and student Dick Wente. Mette completed the CEO Program, Dr. Bloemer the Health Occupations program, and Wente the CTEC program. Each spoke about how the respective programs have helped them.

Many pluses were shared by the speakers, who were interviewed by local entrepreneur Bob Schultz in a panelist format.

Among their thoughts: the programs provide exposure for the students involved as to what's available here career-wise; input was provided as to what they'd like to pursue, but also as to careers they'd want to avoid; the hands-on experience involved was invaluable; Health Occs gives the program participants a variety of medical experiences; and the businesses that participated and what they provided was genuine and appreciated.

Mette said the program certainly causes the participants to "get out of their comfort zone", Bloemer suggested students could better "pursue their passion" through what they learned, and Wente said that awareness of opportunities was a key especially with the aging workforce involved in construction trades.

Bloemer felt that HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital is a good setting for bringing different generations together, and noted that college credit is available now through Health Occs that wasn't an option when he went through the program.

Mette, now the operator of a small business, put in a word for shopping locally, saying online options are often available locally.

Schultz also put in a word for Wente, a rodeo athlete, who has a major collegiate bull riding event scheduled in Missouri this weekend.